Why is Tomato & Basil Rice Cakes classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The snack includes many industrial ingredients such as corn maltodextrin, hydrolyzed canola protein, natural flavour, caramel colour (E150a), annatto (E160b), tocopherols (E306), citric acid (E330), tricalcium phosphate (E341iii) and soy lecithin, which together meet the criteria for an ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) product.

How do the high sugar and salt levels in this snack affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

With about 69 g of sugar per 100 g, the product can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes and is generally unsuitable for diabetic diets, while the 11 g of salt far exceeds recommended daily limits and may raise blood pressure, making it a poor choice for those with hypertension.

Is this product suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or other strict dietary regimes?

The snack is gluten‑free but not vegan because it contains lactose and may include other non‑vegan ingredients; it is vegetarian‑friendly aside from the dairy component, and it also contains soy, which is an allergen for some consumers.

Quaker

Tomato & Basil Rice Cakes

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Tomato & Basil Rice Cakes are a gluten‑free snack made primarily from whole‑grain brown rice and corn, placing them in the cereals and tubers food group. They are classified as NOVA 4 ultra‑processed and carry a Nutri‑Score that is not disclosed, with a very high sugar content (≈69 g per 100 g) and high salt (≈11 g per 100 g) despite modest fat (≈12.5 g per 100 g). The product also contains lactose and soy, several additives such as caramel colour (E150a) and citric acid (E330), which may be concerning for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal417 kcal

Iron1.7 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack, this product contains far more sugar (69 g vs 28.6 g), more salt (11 g vs 5.2 g) and similar energy, while its fat level (12.5 g) is lower than the average 19.2 g.

Ingredients

Whole grain brown rice, degerminated milled corn, sunflower oil, tomato powder, corn maltodextrin, salt, sugar, natural flavor, lactose, spices, garlic powder, yeast extract, hydrolyzed canola protein, citric acid, tricalcium phosphate, caramel color, paprika (color), tocopherols (preservative), annatto (color), soy lecithin.

84%

35%

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